Senators push Luger for top Minn. prosecutor slot

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s two senators say they want litigator Andrew Luger to be the next U.S. attorney for the state if the current chief prosecutor is confirmed by the Senate for a different post.

Democratic Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken recommended Tuesday that President Barack Obama name Luger the lead federal prosecutor. That could happen if U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones is confirmed to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A vote on Jones is no sure thing.

Luger is an attorney in private practice but has been an assistant federal prosecutor previously. He also serves as chairman of Minnesota’s Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

The senators had formed an advisory committee to recommend possible replacements for Jones. U.S. attorneys are also subject to Senate confirmation votes.